International Association for the Study of Pain


The International Association for the Study of Pain is an international learned society promoting research, education, and policies for the understanding, prevention, and treatment of pain. IASP was founded in 1973 under the leadership of John J. Bonica. Its secretariat, formerly based in Seattle, Washington is now located in Washington, DC. It publishes the scientific journal PAIN, PAIN Reports and PAIN: Clinical Updates. IASP currently has more than 7,200 members from 133 countries and in 94 chapters worldwide. IASP supports 20 Special Interest Groups which members may join to network and collaborate with others in their specific field of research or practice.

Global Year Against Pain

In 2004, supported by various IASP chapters and federations holding their own local events and activities worldwide, IASP initiated its first "Global Year Against Pain" with the motto "The Relief of Pain Should be a Human Right". Every year, the focus is on another aspect of pain.
IASP hosts the biennial World Congress on Pain, the world’s largest premier pain-related gathering, is international and multidisciplinary. The program comprises plenary sessions, workshops, poster sessions, and refresher courses, and attendees may receive continuing medical education credits. The 18th World Congress on Pain takes place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands on August 4–8, 2020.